Hi all,

What is everyone's opinion on the usefulness of a CPA to go along with a Tax LLM? I am planning to enroll in a Tax LLM class of 2010, and am wondering if i should try to add this to my resume, to stay competitive. I know next to nothing about the timing of CPAs - has anyone taken evening classes to obtain theirs? How long does it take? How hard is the CPA exam, compared to a Bar exam? Would the CPA+LLM combo improve one's chances significantly? Is the CPA program prestige a factor? Thanks for your input!

Hi Art! I didnt take the CPA myself but my boyfriend took it. You didnt say what level you were doing though, I think they have up to Level 3 - but I assume you are doing Level 1. I think it runs for about 6 months before you have the final exam. The exam is very intense and I think harder than law, especially if your background is purely in law.

Having said that it looks very impressive to potential recruiters and would be a very good complement to your tax LL.M

Thanks for your reply, caribbeanstar. You're right to assume that I would be getting a level 1 (I didn't even know there were levels). My accounting experience consists of 2 classes in undergrad, so this would be a whole new area for me. I have heard that the CPA looks good, but I've also just received a response from a tax partner who says that firms don't place much emphasis on CPA, and to concentrate on my LLM instead - maybe it depends on whether you're looking for private vs. government employment...

Ok.. Well I think what the Tax Partner has to say must be the better view, especially if you are thinking of going into private practice in a firm.

I know it was a big plus for my boyfriend at the time who was also going into the private sector but more in the area of Banking and Finance rather than Tax.

I do have an interest in Tax law though and so I plan on takin a few tax courses when I start my LL.M in October. Where are you doing yours? I'll be at Cam.

All the best !!!

HEllo,
I am currently pursuing my CPA and I did my bachelors and masters in accounting.
What Carribbeanstar is describing is a CFA (chartered financial analyst). The CPA is approximately one year of 4 exams. In order to qualify to sit for these exams you must have 30 upper division, pure accounting courses and any other requirements mandated per your specific state.
Please see:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cpa_exam

In regards to prestige, it is very prestigious. It requires knowledge of many topics and it gives a level of liability when you are by law allowed it sign off on certain statements.
It is similar to law in that aspect.